Maite Kropp: Criminalizing the wrong people

New Hampshire, Wyoming and Nebraska are the most recent states to have introduced the "ag-gag" law aimed at anyone exposing the horrors that take place in the animal factory industry. The ag-gag law will criminalize employees, journalists and activists who blow the whistle on the illegal practices occurring against sentient creatures in these inhumane businesses.

Lawmakers in 2011-12 introduced similar bills in 10 states and passed them in three: Missouri, Iowa and Utah.

However, consumers and animal activists were able to prevent these laws from becoming a reality in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York and Tennessee.

During 1990-91, similar laws were passed in North Dakota, Montana and Kansas before the "ag-gag" term was phrased.

Some 20-plus years back, these laws were chiefly adopted to stop people from destroying property or stealing animals to set them free. It was a time when the public had little knowledge about such issues as vivisection or how animals lived before going to slaughter.

Many horrific animal abuse and cruelty cases have made it to prime time news in recent years, with documented accounts and footage of how the consumers' food is produced in some of these unnatural places that harvest animals. Gradually, with such increased awareness, the public has demanded that these animals be treated more humanely.

Today, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEX) bill is aimed at anyone who leaks information about these businesses, regardless if it involves shocking acts of animal cruelty, dangerous handling of animals, practices that lead to food safety issues or disregard for environmental safety laws that protect waterways from animal waste runoff.

The law also makes it illegal to enter an animal research facility to take pictures or videos.

It appears that the states enforcing ag-gag laws have turned journalists, media photographers and investigators of crimes against animals into criminals rather than focusing on the perpetrators of animal cruelty.

It should be noted that animals raised for food are not included under the U.S. Animal Welfare Act; therefore, livestock does not have the same protection as dogs and cats.

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Reminding those who love birds or want to learn about them that the Mickaboo Companion Animal Rescue will have its first adoption marathon this Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Davis Public Library, 315 E.14th St., Davis.

Volunteers will provide information, as well as birds with special needs available for permanent homes. Ready for adoption are cockatoos, parakeets, African grays, Amazons, Macaws and Conures. Recommended is a class, open to the public, on bird care, from 2 to 5 p.m.

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The author is founder of Harmony Kennels Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization that operates a permanent refuge for abused animals. Write her at P.O. Box 5112, Vacaville, 95696, or e-mail maite@hughes.net.